Academics

Middle School

The Magnitude of Middle School

In middle school, students develop the habits of mind and body that drive their future success in school. At this crucial juncture, we sustain that curiosity and desire to learn. Middle schoolers want to explore, create, collaborate, and question incessantly. As a progressive school, we encourage and guide that energy. At Burke, the city is our classroom – and students learn through frequent field trips, outdoor experiences, and civic engagement.

Space to Explore

Middle school is an optimal time to figure out what you enjoy, what sparks your curiosity. At Burke, numbers and time don't limit that important exploration.

  • School-wide, sports and arts follow a "no cut" policy, which supports both newcomers and experienced athletes and artists looking to branch out.
  • Burke offers middle school teams in seven sports, plus Dance Team and developmental volleyball. Students can play up to nine seasons by the end of 8th grade. (Those who play 8+ seasons before high school are inducted into the Athletic Department's "Cub Club.")
  • The annual middle school musical welcomes dozens of actors and crew members, plus 8th graders can participate in the high school winter musical. 
  • Starting in 7th grade, student select the discipline for their full-year performing arts course; in 8th grade, students also choose arts electives, including ceramics, filmmaking, and comedy.
  • Middle school students can join the same clubs and affinity groups as high school, or they can opt to launch their own; they also elect their own representatives to the student government.

Most crucially: none of these opportunities conflicts with the others; the Burke schedule ensures students can explore broadly and deeply throughout middle school.

UNIQUE BONDS

  • Since Burke begins in 6th grade, everyone is new. In fall 2025, every 6th grader came from a different elementary school. 
  • 7th grade is also an "entry year," when a new cohort expands and invigorates the class. 
  • Despite starting amid the pandemic in 2020, the Class of 2027 will have seventeen Burke "lifers" (the term for those who began in 6th grade), representing more than 70% of their initial cohort.

BRIDGE TO HIGH SCHOOL

  • At a 6th-12th grade school, 8th grade centers on leadership, 9th grade readiness, and capstone experiences – rather than focus on high school placement.
  • Middle and high school faculty directly collaborate on course placement for rising 9th graders.
  • Burke students often report that middle and high school "feel" distinctly different: added rigor and choice, open campus privileges, new spaces, and of course, new friends in 9th grade (when the grade size doubles).

List of 3 items.

  • Middle School Vision

    We believe the world is diverse and dynamic. Through experiences that foster creativity, self-discovery, and wonder, our Middle School students cultivate the skills and habits of mind they need to become critical thinkers and passionate learners.

    Burke students learn to collaborate with others and excel as individuals, ready to embrace the opportunities and meet the challenges of the future. We empower global citizens to change the world.

  • High School Curriciulum

    Burke offers both a thoughtful, measured transition from 8th to 9th grade and exciting, new experiences when students begin high school.

  • Phones & Devices in Middle School

    Given the research, our own experiences, and our emphasis on learning and community, all middle schoolers (Grades 6-8) place their phone and / or smartwatch in a locked cabinet for the duration of the school day.

    Further reading:
    Get Phones Out of Schools Now by Jonathan Haidt (NYU Stern)
Co-ed, progressive, college prep school in Washington, DC featuring a challenging curriculum in an inclusive environment for grades 6-12.
4101 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20008    |    Phone: 202-362-8882    |    Fax: 202-362-1914